NEW DELHI: The government in India-occupied Kashmir has declared a conditional ceasefire in the territory during the holy month of Ramazan.

“It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror”, says Centre in a statement.

Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramazan peacefully and without any difficulties, the statement added.

The Centre has asked the security forces to not launch operations in the region during the next thirty days. However, security forces reserve right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people, the statement said.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has been informed about the decision, the ministry of home affairs said. Mufti welcomed the Centre’s decision and said that the decision will help in “creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustainable dialogue”.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramazan ceasefire and would like to thank Narendra Modi and Rajnath Singh for their personal intervention. My gratitude also to the leaders and parties who participated in the All Party Meeting and helped build consensus towards this announcement,” the CM said in a tweet.